Job Placement

Job Placement Record

The Department of Philosophy has a solid recent placement record in a difficult academic market for PhDs in Philosophy. 

Job Placement

The Placement Workshop

Each year, the Department of Philosophy runs a required Placement Workshop for Philosophy PhD students who have decided, in consultation with their dissertation committee, that they are ready to go on the academic job market. The workshop is taught by the faculty Placement Director, with the assistance of other members of the departmental faculty. The Placement Workshop starts at the end of the spring quarter of a given academic year and then meets again several times both in the summer and fall quarters.

The workshop is designed to help students to complete and polish all the required components of a job dossier and to provide other sorts of preparation for going on the academic job market in philosophy. Individual sessions are devoted to discussing and working together on (1) drafts of the various components of each job seeker’s dossier such as the cover letter, CV, research statement, short and long dissertation abstracts, teaching portfolio, and writing sample; (2) the research and teaching “spiels” that job seekers need to prepare in advance of their job interviews; and (3) job talk presentations and accompanying materials. In addition, members of the workshop will discuss personal websites, interviewing skills, and the teaching of sample classes.

The workshop will also provide the framework within which further additional placement-related events, including mock interviews and practice job visit classes, will be scheduled on behalf of graduate students planning to go on the market. In December each year, the Department holds a Graduate Research Conference at which all students on the academic job market for the first time give practice job talks.

The placement director for 2018-19 is Malte Willer. Along with each student’s committee members, Malte will play a primary role in reviewing CVs, writing samples, and letters and will also consult with students on Interfolio and interview preparation. Malte will be available throughout the year to support current PhD students, as well as recent departmental PhDs, on the academic job market.

Financial Aid for Job Market Expenses

Philosophy PhD students who are on the job market for the first time may apply for a one-time stipend from the department for up to $500. Funds can cover job market expenses such as travel to the American Philosophical Association conference, Interfolio fees, or other fees as appropriate.